Deep litter method…did I screw up?

[M_Struna]

I have been doing, what I thought was, the deep litter method. I thought I’d researched thoroughly but I read today that the litter is not supposed to be turned over and doing that could be harmful to the chickens. It said to just add a small amount of litter weekly…no turning over. I thought it needed aerated? I’m so confused. The few articles I read said to turn the substrate over and periodically add a fresh layer of litter, so I have been doing just that. Is there a source somewhere that explains the proper way to do this? I’m doing this in a covered run with hemp bedding.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Usually the chickens will turn it. I throw scratch down, and the birds work it daily. Occasionally they start digging dust baths holes.

 

[rosemarythyme]

There isn't a single "proper" way. I don't see why turning it over would be an issue. But aeration should be provided via the chickens digging around and a mix of materials such as coarse wood chips, which allows water to drain and air to penetrate into the litter so you don't get an anaerobic composting situation which is smelly.

 

[M_Struna]

Well, that’s what I thought. The run is covered and I have clear tarps to prevent rain/snow from getting in. Occasionally when the wind comes in from the SE I’ll get some mild moisture. I’m going to keep doing what I’ve been doing. There’s barely any odor and the run is clean.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Well, that’s what I thought. The run is covered and I have clear tarps to prevent rain/snow from getting in. Occasionally when the wind comes in from the SE I’ll get some mild moisture. I’m going to keep doing what I’ve been doing. There’s barely any odor and the run is clean.

Deep litter actually does need moisture for composting. Certainly you don't want it soaked and you do want it surface dry, but the poop won't actually compost without the addition of some moisture, though that can be added later (and elsewhere, like a dedicated compost pile) if you want to keep conditions in the run drier.